I’ve heard that you’re not allowed to book a 1 way ticket into Thailand although we want to be here a couple of months maybe 3. I know you can extend your visa when you’re out there but what do we do at the airport without a return flight?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the requirement of having an onward or return flight when entering Thailand, especially for those who wish to stay for longer periods, like a few months. While some travelers have circulated advice about the necessity of onward tickets due to airline policies, others share their personal experiences indicating that such requirements are often inconsistently enforced by airlines and immigration officers. Suggestions include booking a cheap ticket out or using services that offer 'dummy' tickets, which can later be canceled.
I totally understand an onward ticket can be a pain, specially when one doesn't intend to use it, so prior to my travel I read an article in World Nomads that recommended successfully using BestOnwardTickets.com. I've travelled to Thailand endless times in the past 10 years and was never asked for an Onward Ticket before, but this last time in Dec 2021, the over zealous agent on the last leg of my 3 stop journey did ask and also did check on the computer to make sure and happy to report, the booking was there, thus No issue. Good to note, with a simple email request you can get your Onward Booking extended to 21 days. Hope this helps and safe travels!
the only hurdle is the airline check-in staff, just blag it by saying you are crossing the border by bus in 30 days & sound like you know what your doing
I’ve traveled five of the last six years always on a one-way ticket and never once have I ever been asked
now that doesn’t mean that you won’t be asked but it hasn’t happened to me
and if they tell me I need a return ticket I’ll tell them the truth I plan my vacations on the fly, I don’t know what country I want to go to next, Japan Vietnam Singapore Indonesia etc.
Greg Wieder. You don't need a return ticket. An onward ticket to any destination will suffice. Happened twice to me and had to buy a ticket at the airport. I just bought an expensive fully-refundable ticket, and cancelled it before the charge hit my credit card. Too easy
Mikaela Kwee. The charge sits in "pending" for several days. Before it is cleared the refund has already been processed. Plus you have around 25 days from the end of the billing cycle to pay the balance and incur no credit charges. Easy!
I arrived on a one way ticket too but I understand that you might be nervous of being asked about your plans after the expiration of your visas. What you could do is book a cheap ticket to a neighbouring country like Laos or Malaysia and cancel it after you arrive. That’s what I did, flight to Kuala Lumpur from bkk I think was about €60, I cancelled it the day after I arrived in bkk.
It always depend on the airlines and the immigration officer. Sometimes they ask, sometimes they don’t. Just book a return ticket and cancel it later if you don’t need it. It’s easier than having trouble at the airport.
We came in visa exempt 30 days and were asked to show onward ticket (within 30 days if arrival)when checking in for flight with Singapore airlines. Your flight out does not have to be your home country. Also note on arrival they can ask to show you have equivalent of 20,000 baht in $$ per person.
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